African Violet

African Violet
African Violet

We have moved indoors (only temporarily, don’t worry) today for our Flower a Day feature. Some of you know that I am married to a man with a green violet thumb. Our house has been filled with these wonderful flowers for a few years now, thanks entirely to Steven’s care and nurturing (and propagating) of these beautiful plants. There are so many different varieties of this species and I know we only have a few (so far), but I am going to feature the ones we have from time to time. They give me so much joy when I see them and I always think of my mother when I see these as she loved her own small collection. I know she would have been impressed with how many we have and just how prolific they are. For today I am thankful for small pots of gorgeous colour. I hope you have some such where you live and, if not, that this will help to fill that void for you. To view the info and gallery…

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6 Responses

  1. My mother was also married to a man with a ‘violet’ thumb, Ellie. There must be a gene for growing these gorgeous species. I don’t have it, but my niece does. The African violet is a difficult flower to grow (for those of us without the right thumb), demanding just the right light – not too much or too little, not too direct at the right time of the day; the proper soil to sit in, specially mixed for them – none of that run of mill stuff the other plants get; and to drink – they want the right amount whenever they want it at the correct temperature. Don’t overwater or their stems will get mushy and not support the leaves. Don’t underwater or the flowers and the little buds will shrivel up making you feel very guilty that there it was ready to bloom…and you’ve let it down. No, this finicky flower is not for the faint of heart but if you are one of the chosen few, the rewards are so well worth it. To have those sweet faces greet you from their lush bed of fuzzy leaves is enough to make one’s day. Thank you, Ellie, for making mine.

    1. I did not know that about your father, Janet! He was truly a man of many talents. You have exactly described the finicky plant that we know and love as the African violet. we have so many around the house now that I don’t think we have a single window ledge free in the living room. I think Steve has his eye on some special ones from Russia, too, but we will see what happens to that idea.
      Thanks again, Janet

  2. Good morning Ellie thanks for that beautiful flower. I don’t think I have one that colour. But I love the colours on the violets. Contrasting colours with this beautiful little bright yellow centres really does pick you up thanks again to you, but a special thanks to Steve the man with the green thumb.

    1. It’s a beauty Linda. No, you don’t have that one, it’s one of the new ones he got. I have photographs of all of the lovely ones and will share more as I go through this project. We’re both pretty happy that he has these green or violet thumbs!

  3. Ellie that fella of yours with the green violet thumb does a pretty good job with a hunk of timber too . Possibly can even cook up a great meal as well …. Lucky Girl …

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